Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Unknown Artist
500–470 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Archaic/Early Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.1.8833
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from a kylix, or drinking cup, hails from Attic Greece during the transitional Archaic to Early Classical period (500–470 BCE). Crafted by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the masterful pottery tradition of ancient Athens, where wheel-thrown terracotta vessels were fired and meticulously painted to serve both practical and artistic purposes. Kylikes like this one were essential at symposia—lively male drinking parties where philosophy, poetry, and politics flowed alongside wine. Though only a fragment survives, it offers a glimpse into the innovative red-figure techn...